myoclonus of infancy

My 1 month old son shakes in his sleep, and only in his sleep. never when he is awake. he shakes his hands and feet then he stops and does it again. he'll do it for about 30 mins - 4 hours. he doesnt stop . and this doesnt occur everytime he sleeps. its only every other day or so. what do you think he has?

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

Thanks for writing in.
It seems that the child is suffering from benign myoclonus of infancy. The disorder is underdiagnosed and is often mistaken for epilepsy. It is characterized by rhythmic myoclonic jerks when the child is drowsy or asleep. EEG is usually normal during and after the episodes. The condition usually resolves on its own after a few months by age of 3 months and usually does not require treatment with anticonvulsants.
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/326/7396/975
Please wait and watch the condition should resolve on its own. Take care!